Physical activity can be very beneficial for your physical and emotional health. Staying active can help manage your weight, build muscle, keep your bones strong, reduce your fatigue and anxiety. Exercise can also help with side effects of prostate cancer treatment.
Many treatments for prostate cancer can have negative effects on your body such as osteoporosis and loss of muscle mass. Both side effects can be improved through cardiovascular and strength training.
Strength Training
Strength training consists of resistance exercise such as weight lifting, push-ups, pull-ups, etc. These types of exercise can help you increase your muscle mass and maintain healthy bones.
Aerobic Training
Aerobic training consists of cardiovascular exercises such as fast walking, dancing, hiking, swimming, running, bicycling and tennis. Cardio helps your body burn calories, improve your heart health, increase your metabolism and blood circulation. Aerobic exercises are also effective at increasing the body’s natural levels of antioxidants and eliminating inflammatory molecules that drive cancer.
Combine aerobic and strength training
The best way to optimise the health benefits is to use a program that consists of both strength and cardio training.
For example, you can walk 30 minutes every day at a comfortable pace and lift weights three times a week. It is important to alternate different body parts and allow a day of rest between weightlifting days. You can work on your chest muscles and triceps one day, switch to your back muscles and biceps on the next, and continue with your leg and shoulders muscles on the third day. It is recommended to consult a certified fitness instructor or a physical therapist in order to obtain instructions on how to perform various exercises and maximize the benefits from your workouts.
This is key to keep it enjoyable and interesting by choosing exercises that you like or that you can do with friends. Make sure your physical activity program fits your personal situation and fitness level. Consult with your doctor or medical team before starting any exercise regimen.
See as well:
Benefits of Good Nutrition and Exercise on Prostate Cancer
Adopting a Healthy Lifestyle – How to lose the body fat?
Adopting a Healthy Lifestyle — How to maintain muscle mass
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